In the fast-moving world of construction, contractors need speed, accuracy, and reliability. The right estimating software does more than number-crunch it boosts bids, cuts errors, and improves profits. If you’re a Kiwi contractor, here’s your definitive guide for 2025.
Why Estimating Software Matters
- Accurate cost estimates – get real numbers for materials, labor, equipment, overhead.
- Faster bids – move past spreadsheets to digital takeoffs and templated line items.
- Error reduction – track changes live, eliminate manual copying, tie subbie quotes directly.
- Better communication – cloud tools let your office and site teams stay in sync.
- Insight for decision-makers – integrated dashboards show bid pipelines, margins, cashflow.
Keywords like estimating software, estimating software for contractors, and estimating software for construction bring millions of searches monthly. We chose tools popular with Kiwi pros, and they all perform well in global keyword traffic. Let’s unpack the top five.
1. Buildxact
- Focused on: Residential builders, small-to-mid contractors
- What it does well: On-screen takeoff, one-click supplier price import, lightning-fast quote creation
- Price: From NZD \$199/month with 14-day trial
Why we love it
Designed for Kiwi renovators and tradies, Buildxact delivers quotes 5× faster than spreadsheets. Built-in takeoff links line items to real live supplier prices, no guesswork. It’s cloud-based, so quotes, orders, supplier lists and project timelines are accessible from any device.
2. Procore
- Focused on: Medium to large general or specialist contractors
- Strengths: Full construction lifecycle support from estimate to finance
- Price: Custom enterprise pricing, demos available
Why it stands out
Procore is a one-platform solution for everything: estimating, field docs, budgets, RFIs, schedule tracking, punch lists, even AI-powered tools like Copilot for summarizing project docs. While not Kiwi-built, it’s widely used locally and built for scale.
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3. CostX (iTWO CostX)
- Focused on: Quantity surveyors, engineers, commercial contractors
- Strengths: Powerful 2D/3D takeoff right from CAD/BIM sheets
- Price: Tailored enterprise packages
Why it works
Internationally trusted, CostX is tailor-made for precision measurement. Pull quantities directly from CAD drawings and BIM models, linked to live cost sheets. It’s a construction pro’s dream for accurate cost take-offs.
4. Candy (CCS Candy)
- Focused on: Civil and commercial contractors, infrastructure
- Strengths: Combines estimating with project & cost management
- Price: Custom; enterprise-level
Why it’s powerful
Candy syncs cost, schedule, subcontractor offers, and progress in one view especially useful when you’re juggling multiple subbies. Trusted widely in NZ’s commercial and infrastructure sectors.
5. Trimble Estimation Desktop
- Focused on: MEP contractors electricians, HVAC, plumbing
- Strengths: Digital takeoff, supplier pricing, auto-fitting assemblies
- Price: Standard costing; 14‑day free trial
Why it fits MEP trades
Trimble’s MEP-specific solution makes bidding for complex systems fast and accurate. Manage parts, fittings, instant pricing and quantity takeoff in one app, without hardware install.
Choosing What’s Right for You
1.Size and sector
- Residential/trade → Buildxact, Methvin
- Commercial/civil → CostX, Candy, Procore
- MEP → Trimble
2.Feature checklist
- Do you need BIM/2D takeoffs? Go for CostX or Trimble
- Want integrated project & financial control? Choose Procore or Candy
- Need speed and simplicity? Buildxact or Methvin work great
3.Pricing & trials
3.Pricing & trials
- Compare tiered costs (Buildxact ~\$199/month)
- Use 14-day trials to test on your real bids
4.Local integration
- Ensure connection to local suppliers, NZ tax compliance
- Check support channels and training in New Zealand
How We Researched the Best Tools
- Kiwi popularity: Tools like Procore, Candy, Methvin and Buildxact are highlighted by SoftwareSuggest as top NZ options.
- Regional software overview: ConsultANZ lists CostX, Benchmark, Candy, Cubit and Expert Estimation as widely used locally.
- User reviews: Capterra and Software Advice data support Buildxact’s ease of use and strong ROI.
Final Verdict
- For renovators and small residential builders → Buildxact
- For mid-to-large commercial and civil contractors → Procore or Candy
- For precise quantity surveyors and BIM users → CostX
- For MEP trades → Trimble Estimation Desktop
- For those wanting simplicity or a free tier → Methvin or Expert Estimation
Each offers free trials take two or three for a test drive using a real project estimate. That’s the best way to figure out what clicks for you.
